Basic Education welcomes positive start to 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations
The 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations commenced on a positive note across the country today, Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with no major irregularities reported on the first day of the examination cycle. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has welcomed the smooth start to the examinations, as candidates across all nine provinces sat for Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 Practical and various language papers.
The successful commencement follows extensive preparations by the Department and provincial education departments to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the examinations. With the first day concluded without major reported disruptions, the Department remains encouraged by the initial reports from provinces and will continue to closely monitor the administration of examinations to ensure that the Class of 2026 completes this important milestone under fair, secure and conducive conditions. As examinations enter their second day on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, candidates will sit for Information Technology Paper 1 Practical, alongside Arabic, French, Italian, Mandarin, Modern Greek, Serbian, Spanish and Latin Second Additional Language Paper 1, as well as Portuguese Home Language, First Additional Language and Second Additional Language Paper 1.
The Department remains focused on maintaining the integrity, credibility and smooth administration of the examinations. Provincial education departments, examination officials, school management teams and educators remain central to ensuring that all examination protocols are consistently implemented and that emerging challenges are addressed promptly. Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, has extended her best wishes to the Class of 2026, emphasising the importance of confidence, discipline and perseverance throughout the examination period.
"The commencement of the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations is an important moment for our learners and the basic education sector. Every examination represents an opportunity for learners to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired over the years. We encourage the Class of 2026 to approach each paper with confidence, remain focused and give their very best. As a nation, we have a collective responsibility to support our learners as they take this important step towards their futures," said Minister Gwarube.
The Department further calls on parents, guardians and communities to continue providing learners with the necessary emotional and practical support during this period. A stable and encouraging environment remains essential to enabling candidates to perform to the best of their abilities. As the examination period progresses, the Department will continue working closely with provincial education departments to monitor implementation, safeguard examination integrity and ensure that the Class of 2026 is afforded every opportunity to complete its examinations successfully.
The Department wishes all candidates well as they continue with their examinations and remains committed to ensuring a credible and successful 2026 NSC examination cycle.
Media Enquiries:
Terence Khala
Acting Director – Communication and Research
Cell: 081 758 1546
DBE Media Liaison Officer
Lukhanyo Vangqa
Cell: 066 302 1533
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